Attempt to lift university fees blocked

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has put the brakes on Massey University's bid to increase student fees by 10 per cent next year.

The commission will limit Massey's fee increase to 5 per cent, leaving the university with a $2.5 million hole in its budget.

President of the Extramural Students Association Liz Hawes hit out at the decision.

"Massey students will save $2.5 million in extra student fees as a result of today's decision."

But university Vice Chancellor Judith Kinnear said the decision was disappointing.

Professor Kinnear would not be interviewed on the decision or what it meant for expenditure.

In a press release, she said the repercussions have yet to be determined and management is considering the options.

She argued the commission decision means Massey's fees will remain "among the lowest in the country".

Under the Government's fee maxima system, fees cannot be increased by more than 5 per cent without dispensation from the commission. Massey had sought that dispensation.

The 10 per cent increase was also seen as a catch-up for this year's nil increase, voted for in a surprise move by the university's governing council.

- nzpa